KR20160145070A - Dual signal coaxial cavity resonator plasma generation - Google Patents

Abstract

The plasma generator includes a radio frequency power source, a coaxial cavity resonator assembly, and a direct current power source. A radio frequency power supply provides a voltage supply of radio frequency power having a first rate of power / voltage. The resonator assembly includes a center conductor coupled to a radio frequency power source and also includes a virtual short circuit. The DC power supply provides a voltage supply of DC power having a second rate of power / voltage that is less than the first rate and is connected to the center conductor of the virtual short circuit.

Description

{DUAL SIGNAL COAXIAL CAVITY RESONATOR PLASMA GENERATION}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present technology relates generally to the area of electronic ignition of combustible materials, and more specifically to applications and methods for generating plasma to ignite combustible materials.

There are at least two basic methods used to ignite the known combustible mixture. Today, a large number of spark ignition (SI) engines are consuming a limited supply of fossil fuels. Significant environmental and economic benefits are gained by making the combustion engine more efficient. The higher thermal efficiency for the SI engine is obtained through low fuel-air mixture and through operation at higher power density and pressure. Sadly, because the mixture is less, they become more difficult to ignite and burn. More active sparks with wider surfaces are required for stable operation, for example using multiple spark plugs or rail-plug igniters per cylinder system. If more active sparks are used, their overall ignition efficiency is reduced because higher energy levels are detrimental to spark plug life. This requires work. This higher energy level also causes an overall reduction in energy efficiency as well as the formation of unwanted contaminants.

Radio frequency (RF) plasma ignition sources provide an alternative to traditional direct current (DC) spark ignition and provide opportunities for more efficient, less and cleaner combustion that results in associated economic and environmental benefits. One method of generating plasma involves the use of RF sources and standing waves to generate a corona discharge plasma. The prior art uses RF oscillators and amplifiers to generate the required RF power at the desired frequency. RF oscillators and amplifiers can be semiconductor or electron tube based and are well known in the art. An RF oscillator and an amplifier are coupled to a quarter-wavelength coaxial cavity resonator and in turn generate a stationary RF wave in the cavity at a frequency and a resonance frequency determined by the RF oscillator. By electrically shorting the input end of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator and electrically opening the other end, the RF energy resonates within the cavity and increases to cause a corona discharge at the open end of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator. The corona discharge plasma is generally capable of operating as an ignition means for combustible materials and specifically in the combustion chamber of a combustion engine.

Each of the following summary paragraphs illustrate non-limiting examples of how the invention may be implemented as a combination of structural or methodological elements disclosed by the following detailed description. One or more elements of each summary paragraph can be used with one or more elements of another summary.

The plasma generator includes an assembly of quarter wave coaxial cavity resonators coupled in a continuous arrangement. The resonator also includes a center conductor with a proximal end coupled to a radio frequency power source and a virtual short circuit. The DC power supply is connected to the resonator assembly adjacent to the virtual short circuit.

The plasma generator includes a quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator. The resonator includes a center conductor also connected to the radio frequency power source and having a distal end configured to hold a virtual short circuit. The apparatus further includes an open ended discharge coaxial cavity resonator comprising a center conductor having a proximal end coupled to a virtual short circuit. The DC power supply is connected to the proximal end of the open ended discharge quarter wavelength coaxial cavity resonator.

The plasma generator includes a radio frequency power source, a coaxial cavity resonator, and a direct current power source. To describe the operation of these dual source devices, the ratio of the two power supplies is referred to. A radio frequency power supply provides a voltage supply of radio frequency power having a first rate of power / voltage. The resonator includes a center conductor coupled to a radio frequency power source and also includes a virtual short circuit. The DC power supply provides a voltage supply of DC power having a second rate of power / voltage that is less than the first rate and is connected to the center conductor at the location of the virtual short circuit.

The plasma generator includes a first quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator assembly configured to maintain a first electrical length, the first quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator assembly comprising a first center conductor and a first quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator assembly, Respectively. The generator comprises a second quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator assembly comprising a second center conductor and the second quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator assembly has a second proximal end and a second distal end, The four-wavelength coaxial cavity resonator assembly and the second one-quarter coaxial cavity resonator assembly are disposed with respect to one another such that the second proximal end at the connection point is connected to the first distal end. The direct current may be provided through a DC current input line adjacent to a connection point between the first quarter-wave coaxial cavity resonator assembly and the second quarter-coaxial cavity resonator assembly.

The plasma generator includes a center conductor configured to maintain an electrical length of an integer multiple of a quarter wavelength, and the center conductor has a resonant portion configured to resonate with a proximal end, a distal end, and the like. The generator further comprises an outer conductor disposed about the center conductor. The combination of power can be provided through a radio frequency power coupling arranged in a coupling relationship with the DC power input line connected to the central conductor and the resonant part of the central conductor.

The plasma generator includes a center conductor configured to maintain an electrical length of an integral multiple of a quarter wavelength. The generator further includes an outer conductor surrounding the center conductor. The combination of power may be provided through a radio frequency control component disposed along the center conductor and a DC power input line connected to the radio frequency control component.

The quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator assembly includes an inner core portion having a first proximal end and a first distal end, and an outer central conductor portion having a second proximal end and a second distal end. The quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator assembly further includes an inner core conductor portion and a coupling core conductor portion connected to the outer core conductor portion. The assembly has an integral conductive path with an integral multiple of a quarter wavelength and an electrical length defined by the first distal end directly at the first proximal end and an outer conductive path longer than the electrical length of the inner conductive path by an integer multiple of the half wavelength The second proximal end, the second distal end, and the connecting center conductor at the first proximal end to the first distal end. A direct current may be provided through the direct current input line connected to the first proximal end.

The plasma generator includes a center conductor configured to maintain a virtual short circuit under the influence of a wireless power source and an outer conductor disposed about the center conductor. The direct current power input line is connected to the central conductor adjacent to the virtual short circuit position and the direct current power input line is configured to receive the direct current power supply voltage from the direct current power source.

The vehicle includes a chassis, a drive train, a wheel, a fuel source, an oxygen inlet, a combustion chamber, a radio frequency power source, a DC power source, and a plasma generator exposed to the combustion chamber. The plasma generator includes a coaxial cavity resonator assembly including a center conductor oriented in a radio frequency power coupling means coupled to a radio frequency power source in a coupled arrangement wherein the coaxial cavity resonator assembly is configured to configure the center conductor to maintain a virtual short circuit position . DC power is provided through a DC power input line connected to the DC power source, and the DC power input line is connected to the center conductor adjacent to the virtual short circuit position.

 The vehicle includes a chassis, a directional pin, a steering gear, a fuel source, an oxygen inlet, a combustion chamber, a radio frequency power source, a DC power source, and a plasma generator exposed to the combustion chamber. The plasma generator includes a coaxial cavity resonator assembly including a center conductor oriented in a radio frequency power coupling means coupled to a radio frequency power source in a coupled arrangement wherein the coaxial cavity resonator assembly is configured to configure the center conductor to maintain a virtual short circuit position . The DC power is provided through a DC power input line connected to the DC power source, and the DC power input line is connected to the center conductor adjacent to the virtual short circuit position.

The ignition system includes an electronic ignition controller and a plasma generator. The plasma generator includes a coaxial cavity resonator assembly including a center conductor oriented in a radio frequency power coupling means coupled to a radio frequency power source in a coupled arrangement wherein the coaxial cavity resonator assembly is configured to configure the center conductor to maintain a virtual short circuit position . The DC power is provided through a DC power input line connected to the DC power source, and the DC power input line is connected to the center conductor adjacent to the virtual short circuit position.

The device generates a plasma corona under the influence of the threshold amount of voltage required to ignite the plasma. The apparatus includes a radio frequency power source providing a voltage supply of radio frequency power having a first rate of power / voltage. The open end discharge coaxial cavity resonator includes a center conductor connected to the radio frequency power source and having a distal end exposed to the combustion chamber. The DC power supply is connected to the center conductor adjacent to the virtual short circuit. A DC power supply has a second ratio of power / voltage and provides a voltage supply of DC power that meets or exceeds a threshold voltage with the provision of a voltage of radio frequency power. The first ratio is greater than the second ratio.

The device generates a plasma under the influence of the threshold voltage required to ignite the plasma. The apparatus includes a radio frequency power source for providing a voltage of radio frequency power. The coaxial cavity resonator includes a center conductor coupled to a radio frequency power source and also includes a virtual short circuit. The DC power supply provides the supply of DC power to the resonator in a virtual short circuit. The provision of the voltage of the dc power with the provision of the radio frequency power voltage meets or exceeds the threshold amount of voltage required for the destruction. The DC power supply further provides a voltage of DC power in a range having a lower limit of about 51 percent of the threshold amount of voltage and an upper limit of less than 100 percent.

The method generates plasma in a coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of voltage from radio frequency power and direct current power. The method provides a first portion of the voltage from the radio frequency power to the resonator assembly. A first portion of the voltage that is insufficient to ignite the plasma alone at the distal end of the resonator assembly defines a first rate of power / voltage. The method further provides a second portion of the voltage from the direct current power to the resonator assembly. A second portion of the voltage that is insufficient to ignite the plasma solely at the distal end of the resonator assembly defines a second ratio of power / voltage. The method generates a plasma at the distal end of the resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of voltage from a first portion of the voltage and a second portion of the voltage and the second ratio is less than the first ratio.

The method generates plasma in a coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of voltage from radio frequency power and direct current power. The method provides a first portion of the voltage from the radio frequency power to the resonator assembly. The first part of the voltage alone is insufficient to ignite the plasma at the distal end of the resonator assembly. The method also provides a second portion of the voltage from the direct current power to the resonator assembly. The second part of the voltage is insufficient to ignite the plasma alone at the distal end of the resonator assembly, but more than 51 percent of the combined amount of voltage is sufficient to initiate the plasma at the distal end of the resonator assembly. The method generates a plasma at the distal end of the resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of voltage from a first portion of the voltage and a second portion of the voltage.

A brief description of each drawing is provided below. In the drawings, parts having the same reference numerals indicate the same or functionally similar parts. Also, for convenience, the leftmost digit (s) of a reference number are identified in the drawing in the drawing where the reference number first appears.
1 is a schematic diagram of a known ignition system using a spark plug as an ignition source.
2 is a schematic diagram of a known ignition system using a coaxial cavity resonator as an ignition source.
3 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an exemplary coaxial cavity resonator assembly coupled to a direct current source through another resonator assembly operating as an RF attenuator.
Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a coaxial cavity resonator assembly operatively associated with a combustion chamber, the controller allowing directing the provision of RF power and DC power to provide power to a coaxial cavity resonator assembly.
5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary coaxial cavity resonator assembly coupled to a direct current source through another resonator assembly operating with an RF attenuator.

This description is provided so as to satisfy the conditions of easy implementation of the patent law without having any restrictions not cited in the claims. All examples or some examples of each of the examples may be used in combination with all or some of the examples of one or more of the other examples.

Known ignition systems with spark plugs

Referring to the schematic diagram of the known ignition system 100 described in FIG. 1, the battery 102 is connected to an electronic ignition control system 104 connected to a spark plug 106 by a spark plug wire.

In a typical known ignition system 100 similar to that found in a vehicle, the battery 102 provides power to the electronic ignition control system 104. [ The electronic ignition control system 104 determines the appropriate timing for triggering an ignition event and sends a high voltage direct current (DC) pulse through the spark plug wire to the final end of the spark plug 106 at the appropriate time. The high voltage pulse causes the spark to discharge at the tip of the spark plug 106 disposed within the combustion chamber (not shown). The spark ignites the combustible material such as gasoline vapor in the combustion chamber of the combustion engine and completes the ignition process.

Coaxial  public Resonator  Known ignition system

Referring to the schematic diagram of a known coaxial cavity resonator ignition system 200 described in FIG. 2, the power supply 202 is connected to an amplifier 206 connected to a coaxial cavity resonator 208 via an electronic ignition control system 104 And connected to a connected radio frequency (RF) vibrator 204. An exemplary system using a coaxial cavity resonator 208 is described in Smith et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,737, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2011/0146607 and 2011/0175691 are also incorporated herein by reference as part of this disclosure. The coaxial cavity resonator is also referred to as a quarter wavelength coaxial cavity resonator (QWCCR).

 In one example of a well-known coaxial cavity resonator ignition system, the power provisioning 202 provides power to the RF vibrator 204. The RF oscillator 204 generates an RF signal at a frequency selected to be adjacent to the resonant frequency of the coaxial cavity resonator 208. The RF oscillator 204 determines the proper timing for triggering an ignition event and transmits the RF signal to an electronic ignition control system 104 that transmits the RF signal to the amplifier 206 for amplification at the appropriate time. The amplifier 206 amplifies the RF signal at an appropriate power to form a sufficient active corona discharge plasma 210 at the discharge tip of the center conductor of the coaxial cavity resonator 208 to ignite the combustible material in the combustion chamber of the combustion engine . The specific combination of components that provide the RF signal to the QWCCR may be varied in other examples of the prior art.

The QWCCR 208 uses an electric field to induce dielectric breakdown of the gas mixture to form a microwave plasma. In one example, the well known QWCCR 208 is comprised of a quarter-wave resonator coaxial cavity to which electromagnetic energy is coupled and results in a stationary electromagnetic field. The RF vibration is between 750 MHz and 7.5 GHz. The coaxial cavity resonator 208, measured from 1 to 10 cm long, corresponds roughly to an operating frequency in the range of 750 MHz to 7.5 GHz. The advantage of generating the frequency in this range is that it allows the geometry of the body containing the coaxial cavity resonator 208 to be approximately dimensioned to the size of the known spark plug 106.

It discloses a system having a coaxial cavity resonator using a radio-frequency direct current power jeonryeokwa

According to the present invention, the apparatus can be further configured using a plurality of resonators assembled in a configuration for generating plasma by applying a coupling amount of voltage from RF power and DC power. Such an apparatus 300 is illustrated by way of example in FIG. In this particular example, device 300 is an assembly of two quarter wave coaxial cavity resonators coupled together. More specifically, resonator assembly 300, illustrated by way of example in FIG. 3, includes a first resonator 310 and a second resonator 312 coupled in a continuous arrangement along a longitudinal axis 315.

In the illustrated example, the first resonator 310 and the second resonator 312 are defined by a common outer conductor wall structure 320. The wall structure 320 includes a first cylindrical wall 322 and a second cylindrical wall 324 centered on a shaft 315. The first wall 322 is made of a conductive material and surrounds the first cylindrical cavity 325 centered on the axis 315. The thickness of these materials is based on the dielectric breakdown strength. It must be sufficient to conduct the internal current from the external conductor and compress the current. In this example, the first cylindrical opening 325 is filled with a dielectric material 326 having a relative dielectric constant ( _r = 4) of approximately 4. In this example, the first resonator 310 and the second resonator 312 are coupled to each other at a connection plane 332 orthogonal to the axis 315. In another example, the coupling plane 332 need not be orthogonal and may vary at any rate that maintains a constant impedance between the first resonator 310 and the second resonator 312.

The second cylindrical wall 312 is made of a conductive material and surrounds the second cavity 345 which is centered on the axis 315. The second cavity 345 is coaxial with the first cavity 325, but has a larger physical length. The second wall 312 provides a second cavity 345 having a distal end 347 spaced from the proximal end 349 of the second cavity 345 along the longitudinal axis 315.

The center conductor structure 350 is supported within the wall structure 320 of the resonator assembly 300 by dielectric material 326. The center conductor structure 350 includes a first center conductor 352, a second center conductor 354, and a radial conductor 357. The first central conductor 352 reaches within the first cavity 325 along the axis 315. The first central conductor 352 includes a proximal end 360 proximate the proximal end 330 of the first cavity 325 and a distal end 349 adjacent the distal end 349 of the first cavity 325. In the illustrated example, 362). The radial conductor 357 is projected radially along the first cavity 325 from a location adjacent the distal end 362 of the first central conductor 352 and projected out through the hole 339. [

The second central conductor 354 has a proximal end 370 at the distal end 362 of the first central conductor 352 and a distal end 370 located at or near the distal end 347 of each cavity 345, And is projected along the axis 315 to the end 372.

The relative radial thickness between the two cylindrical walls 322 and 324 and the respective central conductors 352 and 354 may be chosen to be less than the dielectric thickness of the dielectric layers 352 and 354 in order to minimize any mismatch in the impedance between the first resonator 310 and the second resonator 312. [ Relative dielectric constant of the material 326 and dielectric constant of the air filling the second cavity 345. [ The physical length along the longitudinal axis 315 of the second central conductor 354 is approximately twice the physical length along the longitudinal axis 315 of the first central conductor 352. In the illustrated example, However, based on at least a portion of the dielectric material 326 having a relative dielectric constant of approximately 4, the electrical lengths of the two center conductors are approximately the same. Note that any gap between any central conductor and any external conductor is filled with dielectric material or the gap is large enough to minimize arcing. As further shown in FIG. 3, 1 fills the first cavity 325 around the center conductor 352 and the radial conductor 357.

In the illustrated example, the DC power source 390 is connected to the center conductor structure 350 via a radial conductor 357 connected adjacent to the virtual short circuit point. The RF frequency cancellation resonator assembly 391 is disposed between the radial conductor 357 and the DC power supply 390 to prevent RF power from reaching the DC power supply 390. [ The RF cancellation resonator assembly includes a first portion 393 and a second portion 394, each having the same electrical length X (the same electrical length as the first central conductor 352 and the second central conductor 354) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 392 < / RTI > In the preferred example, the electrical length referenced X in Fig. 3 is equal to 1/4 wavelength or lambda / 4 and the wavelength is inversely related to the frequency of the RF power. The other resonator assembly 391 has an outer short front wall 395 and an outer long front wall 396. The outer shorting front wall 395 has a first end and a second end on opposite ends of the other resonator assembly 391. The outer elongated front wall 396 also has a first end and a second end on opposite ends of the other resonator assembly 391. The first end and the second end of the outer end conductive wall 395 are respectively on the opposite first side and second side of the outer elongated front wall 396, respectively.

The difference in electrical length between the outer shorting front wall 395 and the outer longing wall 396 is substantially equal to the combined electrical length of the first and second portions 393 and 394, Lt; / RTI > is approximately twice as long as the electrical length. The outer shorting front wall 395 and the outer longing wall 396 enclose the cavity 397 filled with the induction material. Under active operation in this example, the current flowing along the outer conductor of the other resonator assembly 391 will follow mainly the shortest path and will flow along the outer cutout front wall 395. Thus, the current on the outer conductor of the other resonator assembly 391 will travel two quarter less wavelength than the current flowing along the center conductor 392 of the other resonator assembly 391.

The other resonator assembly 391 also has an inner conductive surface 398 disposed between the first 393 and second 394 portions of the center conductor 392 in the cavity 397. This arrangement provides a frequency cancellation circuit coupled between the DC power supply 390 and the radial conductor 357. [ Due to the difference in electrical length between the outer cut-away front wall 395 and the center conductor 392 of the other resonator assembly 391, the other resonator assembly 391 may have RF energy that is 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the plane of the QWCCR assembly 300 Lt; / RTI >

The RF power source 401 is coupled to the QWCCR assembly 300 from the first central conductor 352 and includes an electrode tip 372 exposed in the combustion chamber 403 in the cylinder 402, Together with the cylinder 402 in the internal combustion engine. In this preferred example, the controller 404 is coupled to the RF power supply 401 and the DC power supply 390 to direct the power supply to provide a voltage within a specific variable. The controller 404 may comprise any suitable programmable logic controller or combination of other control devices or controls and may be programmable or configured to execute with hardware and / or software as described and claimed.

The controller 404 allows the RF power supply 401 to provide the voltage of RF energy to the first central conductor 352 in a capacitive manner when the plasma is generated adjacent the electrode tip 372 of the second central conductor 354. [ To form a virtual short circuit adjacent the distal end 362 of the first central conductor 352. [ This virtual short circuit also couples the voltage provision of the RF energy to the second central conductor 354. The provision of the voltage of the RF energy is not sufficient in itself to generate the plasma and is provided at a first rate of power / voltage. Controller 404 is also instructed by DC power source 390 to provide a voltage supply of DC power that is not sufficient to generate the plasma alone. DC power is provided at a second rate of power / voltage that is less than a first rate of voltage associated with providing a voltage of power to RF energy. The combined voltage from RF energy and DC power is sufficient to generate the plasma. As a result, the plasma is generated adjacent to the electrode tip 372 of the second central conductor 354. The determination of the coupled voltage sufficient to generate the plasma can be made by the controller 404 in response to the measured conditions relative to the combustion chamber 403. [

In an alternate example, the controller 404 is capable of mode of construction and greater than 51 percent of the voltage sufficient to initiate the plasma at the distal end 372 is provided from the DC power source 390.

In an alternative example, the introduction of the voltage supply of DC power may be provided adjacent to any other virtual short circuit that may be present, although not limited to the particular virtual short circuit location described above, so that high voltage DC power is formed by the RF power component It ensures that it has minimal effect on the regular electromagnetic wave and prevents the RF power from interfering with the DC power supply.

In an alternative example, that is, in one example or both examples, the DC power supply 390 and the RF power supply 401 are self-dedicated for directing to provide a combination of power suitable for generating a plasma at the electrode tip 372 A controller; Or in one or both examples, a DC power supply 390 and an RF power supply 401 may be provided within the mains supply. The main power source may be configured to control the power output between the DC power source 390 and the RF power source 401. [ The controller 404 may be located either before or after one of the DC power source 390 and the RF power source 401 and the controller 404 may be located between the DC power source 390 and the RF power source 401. In other embodiments, Or within such physical components that accommodate the same. The coupling of the RF power source 401 to the center conductor may be enabled by various means: an inductive coupling (e.g., an inductive feed loop), a parallel capacitive coupling (e.g., a parallel plate capacitor) (For example, an electric field applied opposite to a non-zero voltage conductor end). The particular coupling arrangement used will depend on the choice of coupling means and the particular structure of the resonator cavity.

In an alternate example, the RF frequency cancellation assembly 391 may include any component or series including, but not limited to, a resistive element, a lumped-constant conductor, a frequency cancellation circuit to prevent RF power from reaching the DC power supply 390 Lt; / RTI > The RF frequency cancellation resonator assembly 391 may be located adjacent to the DC power supply 390 and the RF frequency cancellation resonator assembly 391 may be located adjacent to the QWCCR assembly 300, The resonator assembly 391 may be located anywhere between the DC power source 390 and the resonator assembly 300. It is desirable to remove the RF as close as possible to the point of occurrence to reduce the amount of lost energy due to heating and to maintain a high quality factor in the resonator assembly.

In alternative examples, embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to an assembly containing at least a resonator assembly such as one QWCCR or a plurality of QWCCRs arranged in series. Regardless of the number of QWCCRs used, the introduction of voltage provision (higher voltage, lower power) of DC power in a virtual short circuit in combination with the provision of a relatively RF power voltage (lower voltage, higher power) Will provide a more efficient system for generating plasma in a wider range of combustion environments while reducing overall energy requirements for combustion and improved overall engine efficiency. By using a voltage supply of DC power as described above, a very large potential is introduced into the system with negligible use of current or power in comparison to the RF power used to generate the plasma.

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus is described in more detail using two resonators assembled in a continuous configuration to generate a plasma by applying a combined amount of voltage from radio frequency power and direct current power, Lt; / RTI > In this particular example, the apparatus 500 includes a first resonator portion 510 and a second resonator portion 512 coupled in a continuous arrangement along a longitudinal axis 515.

In the illustrated example, the first resonator portion 510 and the second resonator portion 512 are defined by a common outer conductor wall structure 520. The wall structure 520 includes a first cylindrical wall portion 522 and a second cylindrical wall portion 524 at the center of the shaft 515. The first wall portion 522 is made of a conductive material and surrounds the first cylindrical cavity 525 centered on the axis 515. In this example, the first cylindrical cavity 525 is filled with a dielectric material 526. The angled edge 528 of the first wall portion 522 defines the proximal end 530 of the first cavity 525. The proximal end of the second cylindrical wall portion 524 engages the distal end 532 of the first cavity 525.

The second central conductor portion 554 has a proximal end 570 that engages the distal end 562 of the first central conductor portion 552 and is located or near the distal end 547 of the second cavity 545 Is projected along the axis 515 to a distal end 572 comprised of an electrode tip.

The hole 579 reaches the outside radially through the first wall portion 522 and the radial conductor 577 extends through the RF power input line from the longitudinal axis 515 for connection to the RF power source 401 do. The end of the radial conductor 577 adjacent to the longitudinal axis 515 is connected to the parallel plate capacitor 575 which is a coupling arrangement to the center conductor structure 550. The parallel plate capacitor 575 is also coupled to the inline folded RF attenuator 591.

In the illustrated example, the DC power supply 390 is connected to the center conductor structure 550 of the proximal end 560 with a DC power input line. An in-line folded RF attenuator 591 is disposed between the second resonator portion 512 and the DC power supply 390 to prevent RF power from reaching the DC power supply 390. The inline folded RF attenuator 591 includes an inner central conductor portion 592 having a first proximal end 596 and a first distal end 597. [ The inline folded RF attenuator 591 also includes an outer central conductor portion 593 and a transition center conductor portion 594 connecting the inner central conductor portion 592 and the outer central conductor portion 593. The outer central conductor portion 593 has a proximal end in substantially the same plane as the first proximal end 596 and a distal end in the substantially same plane, such as the first distal end 597. In this example, the transition central conductor portion 594 is located adjacent to the first distal end 597. [ The outer central conductor portion 593 surrounds the inner central conductor portion 592.

In this example, the outer central conductor portion 593 resembles the cylindrical portion of the conductor material surrounding the remainder of the inner central conductor portion 592. The longitudinal lengths of the inner central conductor portion 592 and the outer central conductor portion 593 are approximately equal to the longitudinal lengths of the parallel plate capacitors 575 in the coupling arrangement. The electrical length between the first proximal end 596 and the first distal end 597 for the inner central conductor portion 592 and the outer central conductor portion 593 is approximately equal to the quarter wavelength. The second central conductor 554 and the second cylindrical wall portion 524 are configured to have an electrical length of a quarter wavelength.

The wall structure 520 includes a short circuit external conductive portion 595 having a proximal end in substantially the same plane as the first proximal end 596 and a distal end in substantially the same plane as the first distal end 597 . The outer conductive path runs from the distal end of the wall structure 520 (which is substantially coplanar with the distal end 547 of the second cavity 545) along the line outer conductor portion 595 and extends through the outer wall of the first wall portion 522 And stops at the proximal end (530). In this example, the outer conductive path has an electrical length of two quarter wavelengths.

 The inner conductive path extends from the distal end electrode tip 572 to the proximal end 570 of the second central conductor portion 554 along the exterior of the transition central conductor portion 594 and from the distal end to the outer central conductor portion 593 And extends from its proximal end to its distal end along its inner proximal end to its proximal end along the inner wall 599 of the outer central conductor portion 593 and from its proximal end to its proximal end, EK. In this example, the electrical length of this inner conductive path is four quarter wavelengths or two half wavelengths. The difference in electrical length between the inner conductive path and the outer conductive path is 1/2 wavelength.

This arrangement provides a radio frequency control component coupled between the DC power supply 390 and the voltage supply of RF energy. This particular example of a radio frequency control component is an inline folded RF attenuator 591 and is configured to shift the voltage supply of RF energy 180 degrees out of phase with respect to the plane of the QWCCR assembly 500.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the QWCCR placement depicted in Figure 5 is not limited to the orientation of the inline folded RF attenuator 591. [ 5, the inline folded attenuator 591 is positioned further away from the distal end 572 and is no longer coupled to the parallel plate capacitor 575 Can be separated by a quarter wavelength from the portion of the center conductor remaining in direct coupling with the parallel plate capacitor 575. Alternatively, the entire QWCCR arrangement depicted in FIG. 5 may be further compressed so that the outer central conductor portion 593 of the inline folded RF attenuator 591 extends longitudinally as far as the parallel plate capacitor 575, And surrounds the exposed portion of the center conductor. This can be done by placing the transition center conductor portion 594 no longer at the center of the inline folded RF attenuator 591, rather than at the end thereof, so that the outer center conductor portion 593 extends in both directions in the longitudinal direction. Any particular geometry of this arrangement requires tweaking various variables of the dielectric to ensure impedance integration and full 180 degree phase cancellation, but these tasks are well understood engineering tasks.

In one example, the specific combination of components that provide RF signals to the QWCCR and QWCCR of the present invention is contained within a body sized approximately to the size of a prior art spark plug 106 and is adapted to mate with the combustion chamber of the combustion engine . More specifically, this example uses a microwave amplifier in a resonator and a resonator as a frequency determining element in a vibrator amplifier arrangement. The amplifier / vibrator is attached to the top of the plug and has a high voltage supply integrated into the module along with the diagnosis. This example allows the use of a single low-voltage DC supply to provide the module with a timing signal.

In the context of such description, various terms refer to locations that can be measured as close to the absence of a voltage component under the specific conditions of operation and the results of a particular configuration. For example, "voltage shortage" represents an arbitrary position at which a voltage component may be close to being non-existent under certain conditions. Similar terms can equally represent this position of a voltage near zero, such as "virtual short circuit "," virtual short circuit position " Often a person skilled in the art can limit the use of "low voltage" only at such a position that a voltage near zero is the result of a standing wave above zero. "Voltage null" can often be used to indicate the position of a voltage near zero for reasons other than the result of a standing wave above zero, such as voltage attenuation or cancellation. Moreover, each of these terms, which may indicate a position of a voltage near zero in the context of this disclosure, is intended to be non-limiting and is instead limited by their context, including the particular dimensions and specifications of the described application.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention appearing in the drawings and described above may be made within the scope of the appended claims. Further illustrations of the invention further include elements selected from any one or more examples of the prior art examples described above as required to achieve any preferred embodiment of the structure and function enabled by the invention . It is the applicant's intention that the scope of the patent will be limited only to the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (55)

Radio frequency power source,
A coaxial cavity resonator assembly including a center conductor configured to be in a coupled configuration with the radio frequency power source and configured to maintain a voltage null at a first location,
And a direct current power source connected to said center conductor near said first location. The method according to claim 1,
And a radio frequency control component coupled between the direct current power source and the coaxial cavity resonator assembly and configured to limit the passage of the voltage supply of radio frequency power to the direct current power source. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the radio frequency control component is configured to shift the voltage supply of radio frequency power that is 180 degrees out of phase with respect to a plane of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the coaxial cavity resonator assembly comprises a plurality of quarter wave coaxial cavity resonators coupled in a continuous arrangement, the resonator comprising a center conductor coupled to the radio frequency power source. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the radio frequency power source is configured to direct the radio frequency power to provide a first rate of power / voltage, wherein the voltage supply of the radio frequency power is indicative of the first rate of power / Wherein the first rate is greater than the second rate. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 17 > Radio frequency power source,
A coaxial cavity resonator assembly including a center conductor configured to be in a coupled configuration with the radio frequency power source and configured to maintain a voltage null at a first location,
An open-ended discharge quarter-wavelength coaxial cavity resonator comprising a center conductor having a proximal end coupled to the first position, and
And a direct current power source connected in close proximity to said first location. A radio frequency power supply configured to provide a voltage supply of radio frequency power having a first rate of power / voltage,
A coaxial cavity resonator assembly including a center conductor configured to be in a coupled configuration with the radio frequency power source and configured to maintain a voltage null at a first location;
And a DC power source coupled to said center conductor proximate said first location and configured to provide a voltage supply of DC power having a second ratio of power / voltage less than said first rate. Radio frequency power source,
A coaxial cavity resonator assembly including a center conductor configured to be in a coupled configuration with the radio frequency power source and configured to maintain a voltage null at a first location;
And a power source configured to provide a substantially constant voltage supply of direct current power to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly proximate to the first location. A radio frequency power supply configured to provide a voltage supply of radio frequency power at a first rate of power / voltage,
A coaxial cavity resonator assembly including a center conductor configured to be in a coupled configuration with the radio frequency power source and configured to maintain a voltage null at a first location;
A DC power supply coupled to the center conductor proximate to the first location and configured to provide a voltage supply of DC power at a second ratio of power / voltage and that meets or exceeds a threshold voltage with the provision of the voltage of radio frequency power Including,
Wherein the first ratio is influenced by a threshold amount of voltage required to initiate a plasma that is greater than the second rate. 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the DC power supply is configured to operate in a manner that provides the voltage supply of DC power as a substantially constant voltage supply of DC power. 10. The method of claim 9,
And a radio frequency control component coupled between the direct current power source and the coaxial cavity resonator assembly and configured to limit passage of the voltage supply of radio frequency power to the direct current power source. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the radio frequency control component is configured to shift a voltage supply of radio frequency power that is 180 degrees out of phase with respect to a plane of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly. 10. The method of claim 9,
Further comprising a power controller configured to direct the radio frequency power source and the direct current power source to provide a combined voltage source that meets or exceeds the threshold voltage, wherein the first ratio is greater than the second ratio. A radio frequency power source configured to provide a voltage supply of radio frequency power,
A coaxial cavity resonator assembly including a center conductor configured to be in a coupled configuration with the radio frequency power source and configured to maintain a voltage null at a first location;
A power supply configured to provide a voltage of direct current power to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly in the first position, wherein the voltage supply of direct current power with or without the provision of the radio frequency power meets or exceeds the threshold amount of voltage ,
Wherein the power supply is further configured to provide a voltage supply of direct current in a range having a lower limit of about 51 percent of the threshold voltage and an upper limit of less than 100 percent of the voltage and a threshold amount of voltage required to initiate the plasma, . 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the power supply is configured to operate in a manner that provides the voltage supply of direct current power as a substantially constant voltage supply of direct current power. 15. The method of claim 14,
And a radio frequency control component coupled between the direct current power source and the coaxial cavity resonator assembly and configured to limit passage of radio frequency power to the direct current power source. 17. The method of claim 16,
Wherein the radio frequency control component is another resonator assembly configured to shift a voltage supply of radio frequency power that is 180 degrees out of phase with respect to a plane of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly. 15. The method of claim 14,
And configured to direct the radio frequency power supply to provide a voltage ratio of radio frequency power at a first rate of power / voltage, wherein the direct current power supply is configured to direct the direct current power to provide a voltage ratio of direct current power at a second rate of power / Further comprising a power controller, wherein the first ratio is greater than the second ratio. A first quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator assembly comprising a first central conductor and configured to maintain a first electrical length, comprising: a first quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator assembly having a first proximal end and a second distal end;
A second quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator assembly comprising a second center conductor and having a second proximal end and a second distal end, wherein the first quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator assembly and the second quarter wave coaxial resonator assembly Wherein the cavity resonator assembly is disposed relative to one another such that at a junction the second proximal end is connected to the first distal end and a second quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator assembly
And a DC power input line connected adjacent to a connection point between the first 1/4 coaxial cavity resonator assembly and the second 1/4 coaxial cavity resonator assembly. 20. The method of claim 19,
And a radio frequency control component disposed along the direct current power input line. 21. The method of claim 20,
The radio frequency control component
A third central conductor portion configured to maintain a third electrical length and having a third proximal end and a third distal end,
A first outer conductive wall portion configured to maintain a fourth electrical length and having a fourth proximal end that is substantially coplanar with the third proximal end and a fourth distal end that is substantially coplanar with the third distal end, Wherein the fourth electrical length comprises a first outer conductive wall portion having an electrical length that is less than the third electrical length by an electrical length difference that is an integer multiple of twice the first electrical length. A center conductor configured to maintain an electrical length of an integral multiple of a quarter wavelength, the center conductor comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a resonator portion configured to resonate,
An outer conductor disposed about the center conductor,
A DC power input line connected to the center conductor, and
And a radio frequency power coupling means disposed in engagement with the resonant portion of the center conductor. 23. The method of claim 22,
And the DC power input line is connected to the proximal end of the center conductor. 24. The method of claim 23,
And a radio frequency control component partially disposed along the central conductor between the distal end and the DC power input line. 25. The method of claim 24,
Wherein the radio frequency control component comprises:
The outer conductive path, and
And an inner conductive path having a shorter electrical length than the outer conductive path, wherein the inner conductive path and the outer conductive path have an electrical length difference of an integer multiple of a half wavelength. 26. The method of claim 25,
Wherein the radio frequency power combining means comprises a curved plate extending in length along the central conductor oriented parallel to the central conductor and integral multiples of a quarter wavelength. 27. The method of claim 26,
Said curved plate having a width that is approximately 40% of its length. 27. The method of claim 26,
Wherein a portion of the central conductor adjacent the distal end is tapered and exposed to air while being surrounded by a rigid dielectric. A center conductor configured to maintain an electric length of an integer multiple of a quarter wavelength,
An outer conductor surrounding the center conductor,
A radio frequency control component disposed along the center conductor, and
And a DC power input line connected to the radio frequency control component. 30. The method of claim 29,
The radio frequency control component
The outer conductive path, and
And an inner conductive path having a shorter electrical length than the outer conductive path, wherein the inner conductive path and the outer conductive path have electrical length differences of integral multiple of 1/2 wavelength. 31. The method of claim 30,
And a radio frequency power coupling means disposed in engagement with the center conductor. 32. The method of claim 31,
Wherein the radio frequency power coupling means substantially surrounds the center conductor. An inner central conductor portion having a first proximal end and a first distal end,
An outer central conductor portion having a second proximal end and a second distal end,
A quarter-wavelength coaxial cavity resonator assembly including a connection center conductor portion connected to the inner central conductor portion and the outer central conductor portion, and a DC power input line connected to the first proximal end,
The inner conductive path has an electrical length that is an integral multiple of a quarter wavelength and defines directly from the first proximal end to the first distal end,
Wherein the outer conductive path has an electrical length that is longer than an electrical length of the inner conductive path by an integer multiple of a 1/2 wavelength and has a length from the first proximal end to the connecting center conductor to the second proximal end to the second distal end, To the central conductor portion to the first distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator. 34. The method of claim 33,
Further comprising: a radio frequency power coupling means disposed in engagement with the inner core conductor portion. 35. The method of claim 34,
Further comprising a negative resistance device coupled to the radio frequency power coupling means. 36. The method of claim 35,
Wherein the negative resistive device and the DC power input line are both connected to a single DC power source. A center conductor configured to maintain a virtual shorting position under the influence of a radio frequency power source,
An outer conductor disposed about the center conductor, and
And a DC power input line connected to the center conductor close to the virtual short circuit position,
Wherein the DC power input line is configured to receive a voltage supply of DC power from a DC power supply. 39. The method of claim 37,
And a radio frequency control component coupled between the DC power input line and the center conductor and configured to limit the passage of the voltage supply of radio frequency power to the DC power supply. 39. The method of claim 38,
Wherein the radio frequency control component is configured to shift the voltage supply of radio frequency power that is 180 degrees out of phase with respect to a plane of the plasma generator. 39. The method of claim 37,
Wherein the plasma generator comprises a plurality of quarter wave coaxial cavity resonators coupled in a continuous arrangement, the resonator comprising a center conductor coupled to the radio frequency power source. Chassis,
Drive train,
Wheel,
A fuel source configured to receive a combustible fuel,
An oxygen inlet configured to direct the delivery of oxygen,
A combustion chamber configured to receive the provision of the combustible fuel and oxygen,
Radio frequency power source,
DC power, and
A vehicle comprising a plasma generator at least partially exposed to the combustion chamber,
Wherein the plasma generator comprises a coaxial cavity resonator assembly configured to maintain the center conductor in a virtual shorting position, the central conductor comprising a center conductor oriented in a coupling arrangement in radio frequency power coupling means connected to the radio frequency power source,
And a DC power input line connected to the center conductor close to the virtual short circuit position connected to the DC power supply. Chassis,
Directional pins,
Steering gear,
A fuel source capable of accommodating the combustible fuel,
An oxygen inlet to guide the supply of oxygen,
A combustion environment configured to receive the supply of combustible fuel and oxygen,
Radio frequency power source,
DC power, and
A vehicle comprising a plasma generator at least partially exposed to the combustion chamber,
Wherein the plasma generator comprises a coaxial cavity resonator assembly configured to maintain the center conductor in a virtual shorting position, the central conductor comprising a center conductor oriented in a coupling arrangement in radio frequency power coupling means connected to the radio frequency power source,
And a DC power input line connected to the center conductor close to the virtual short circuit position connected to the DC power supply. Fuel inlet,
Oxygen inlet,
A combustion environment exposed to the fuel inlet and the oxygen inlet, and
An engine including a plasma generator at least partially exposed to the combustion chamber,
Wherein the plasma generator comprises a coaxial cavity resonator assembly configured to maintain the center conductor in a virtual shorting position, the central conductor comprising a center conductor oriented in a coupling arrangement in radio frequency power coupling means connected to the radio frequency power source,
And a DC power input line connected to the center conductor close to the virtual short circuit position connected to the DC power supply. An electronic ignition controller capable of providing a radio frequency power output and a DC power output, and
An ignition system comprising a plasma generator,
Wherein the plasma generator comprises a coaxial cavity resonator assembly configured to maintain the center conductor in a virtual shorting position, the central conductor comprising a center conductor oriented in a coupling arrangement in radio frequency power coupling means connected to the radio frequency power source,
And a DC power input line connected to the center conductor close to the virtual short circuit position connected to the DC power supply. CLAIMS 1. A method of generating plasma in a coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of radio frequency power and direct current power,
Providing a first portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from radio frequency power that is not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly and wherein the provision of the first portion of the voltage causes the first portion of the power / , ≪ / RTI >
Providing a second portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from a direct current power not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly, wherein the provision of the second portion of the voltage causes the second portion of the power / Regulatory steps, and
Generating a plasma at a distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of voltage from a first portion of the voltage and a second portion of the voltage, the second ratio comprising less than the first ratio Plasma generation method. CLAIMS 1. A method of generating plasma in a coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of radio frequency power and direct current power,
Providing a first portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from radio frequency power that is not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the resonator assembly,
Providing a second portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from direct current power not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly, the direct current igniting the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly Providing greater than 51 percent of the combined amount of sufficient voltage to be applied, and
Generating a plasma at a distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly through providing a combined amount of voltage from a first portion of the voltage and a second portion of the voltage. CLAIMS 1. A method of generating plasma in a system having a coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of voltage from radio frequency power and direct current power,
Providing a first portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from radio frequency power that is not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly and wherein the provision of the first portion of the voltage causes the first portion of the power / , ≪ / RTI >
Providing a second portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from a direct current power not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly, wherein the provision of the second portion of the voltage causes the second portion of the power / Regulatory steps, and
Generating a plasma at a distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of voltage from a first portion of the voltage and a second portion of the voltage, the second ratio comprising less than the first ratio Plasma generation method. CLAIMS 1. A method of generating plasma in a system having a coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of voltage from radio frequency power and direct current power,
Providing a first portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from radio frequency power that is not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the resonator assembly,
Providing a second portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from direct current power not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly, the direct current igniting the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly Providing greater than 51 percent of the combined amount of sufficient voltage to be applied, and
Generating a plasma at a distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly through providing a combined amount of voltage from a first portion of the voltage and a second portion of the voltage. CLAIMS 1. A method of generating plasma in an engine having a coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of voltage from radio frequency power and direct current power,
Providing a first portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from radio frequency power that is not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly and wherein the provision of the first portion of the voltage causes the first portion of the power / , ≪ / RTI >
Providing a second portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from a direct current power not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly, wherein the provision of the second portion of the voltage causes the second portion of the power / Regulatory steps, and
Generating a plasma at a distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of voltage from a first portion of the voltage and a second portion of the voltage, the second ratio comprising less than the first ratio Plasma generation method. CLAIMS 1. A method of generating plasma in an engine having a coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of voltage from radio frequency power and direct current power,
Providing a first portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from radio frequency power that is not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the resonator assembly,
Providing a second portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from direct current power not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly, the direct current igniting the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly Providing greater than 51 percent of the combined amount of sufficient voltage to be applied, and
Generating a plasma at a distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly through providing a combined amount of voltage from a first portion of the voltage and a second portion of the voltage. CLAIMS 1. A method of generating plasma in a vehicle having a coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of radio frequency power and voltage from direct current,
Providing a first portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from radio frequency power that is not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly and wherein the provision of the first portion of the voltage causes the first portion of the power / , ≪ / RTI >
Providing a second portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from a direct current power not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly, wherein the provision of the second portion of the voltage causes the second portion of the power / Regulatory steps, and
Generating a plasma at a distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of voltage from a first portion of the voltage and a second portion of the voltage, the second ratio comprising less than the first ratio Plasma generation method. CLAIMS 1. A method of generating plasma in a vehicle having a coaxial cavity resonator assembly by providing a combined amount of radio frequency power and voltage from direct current,
Providing a first portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from radio frequency power that is not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the resonator assembly,
Providing a second portion of the voltage to the coaxial cavity resonator assembly from direct current power not sufficient to ignite only the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly, the direct current igniting the plasma at the distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly Providing greater than 51 percent of the combined amount of sufficient voltage to be applied, and
Generating a plasma at a distal end of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly through providing a combined amount of voltage from a first portion of the voltage and a second portion of the voltage. Radio frequency power source,
DC power, and
And means for igniting the plasma from the direct current power source and the coupling voltage provided by the radio frequency power source. 54. The method of claim 53,
And means for separating the radio frequency power source from the direct current power source. Means for providing a voltage supply of radio frequency power,
Means for providing a voltage supply of direct current power, and
A coaxial cavity resonator assembly comprising a center conductor configured to be in a coupled configuration with said voltage supply of radio frequency power and configured to maintain a virtual shorting position for connection to said voltage supply of direct current power.

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